Busy intersection closure in Nacogdoches postponed until early June

NACOGDOCHES, Texas (KTRE) - A construction project planned at a busy intersection familiar with many Nacogdoches drivers has been pushed back for at least two more weeks.

The intersection of East Austin and Raguet streets is popular with residents and commuters in Nacogdoches. The intersection has become the subject of a construction project to widen the road from a two-lane to a four-lane roadway which will include a sidewalk a new traffic light.

“I’m the luckiest one because I have two entrances,” said Vida Raney, homeowner near the intersection. “It is what it is; we’ll just have to deal with it."

WEBXTRA: Widening construction on busy Nacogdoches street postponed until early June

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) originally wanted to block off the intersection in mid-May, but after some discussion with the city and residents, TxDOT is now waiting until June 3. An elementary school is located just down the street from the intersection, and all parties have agreed it would be in the best interest for school to let out before the road is blocked off.

“It’s going to be an inconvenience to go to little Kroger and to the post office and to the bank down there,” Raney said, referencing her property’s proximity to nearby landmarks. “We’ll just have to take a different route.”

A construction project planned at a busy intersection familiar with many Nacogdoches drivers has been pushed back for at least two more weeks. (Source: Donna McCollum/KTRE)

Billy Huddleston Jr., owner of NacBurger, located in the nearby strip center is hopeful satisfying customers’ cravings for a burger will compensate for the longer drive.

“Any time you close down a thoroughfare to your business it’s concerning,” said Huddleston.

The closure is expected to last up to three months.

“It definitely will affect my business. I don’t see how it couldn’t. Hopefully, my customers will still support us and take the detour,” said Huddleston.

“This project is progressing well and we are to the point of relocating utilities in this intersection,” said Rhonda Oaks, public information officer for the Lufkin District. “Because of the depth of excavation required to relocate underground utilities, the road will be impassable.”

Motorists are advised to take alternate routes during the course of this work. Austin Street will continue to remain closed to through traffic.